So strong for so long against France in the Final only to see the equaliser and winning goal created in his corner of the Italian defence.

Held firm against the pacy Mpenza in the Belgium game.

Against Turkey his partnership with Nesta had faced quite a battle against Sukur and co. Another who will have been disappointed by Okan's free-header.

One of the few certainties in Zoff's side this summer, Cannavaro is a cultured yet mean centre-back who lines up alongside French ace Lilian Thuram in the Parma defence.

Born in Naples, he was a ballboy for Napoli when Maradona was at his best, and made his debut for his hometown club at the age of 20 against Juventus.

Not very tall for a centre-back (only 5'9') but very aware of situations and a superb tackler.

Won the Under-21 World Cup in 1994 and 1996 under Cesare Maldini and has made the transition into the main national side with ease.

His partnership with Nesta has been the rock that Italy's Euro 2000 challenge has been built on. His superhuman efforts kept the likes of Kluivert and Bergkamp led the semi-final into its inevitable conclusion of penalties.